Torn between graphics for SG45H7

[friend'scatdied]

I haven't been keeping up ever since the 6600GT was the hottest mid-range video card (2004?), so thanks in advance for bearing with me!

I've built a transportable SFF PC based on the Shuttle SG45H:

Shuttle SG45H7
Integrated LGA775 Mobo (Intel G45)
C2D E8300 Wolfdale
4GB PNY XLR8 DDR2-800
640GB Western Digital Caviar Black
Lite-ON 4X BD Drive
Integrated Shuttle 300W 80Plus-certified PSU

I'm currently looking for a graphics solution that "fits" into the setup as an upgrade from the integrated X4500HD. I'm looking for a mix of attributes: good capability, fairly quiet, reasonably cool.

I know this system will be able to handle at least an HD 4850 (despite what reservations I had about the power supply) because I used my suitemate's for a month while he was flipping cards, and it ran well even under load (got through some multi-hour sessions with Crysis and GTA4 just fine, and got through Vantage and 06 as well). But it was the single-slot reference design, and it ran HOT and was quite noisy, so it probably will not be an option for me unless I can find a dual-slot cooler version that doesn't hit the price points of better cards.

My bottom-line reference card (i.e. the one I will get failing better alternatives) is the HD 4770. I'll probably get the Sapphire one with the integrated Arctic Cooling Accelero L7. This one looks like it'll hit all of my objectives well: seems promising in terms of performance, and hopefully will stay quiet and cool. It also seems to draw very little power, which is an unsought bonus for me.

Are there any other alternative video cards for me that will perform better than the HD 4770 or HD 4850? Changing any of the components I already have is not an option, and I will be keeping everything at stock clocks and voltages.

EDIT: Also, I am rotating between a 1440x900 panel in my dorm and a 1920x1080 panel at home.

 

[NichoTL]

4770 is good. But you might want to consider the 5770 too.

 

[friend'scatdied]

After much deliberation, I have selected the PNY GTS 250 1GB from Newegg. I think this will be the best card my system is capable of handling in the long run on the 300W PSU. I'm a bit worried with capacitor age over a year+ that the included power supply will give out, but I'll be running everything stock and have an undervolted CPU so hopefully I'll be fine.